SC aquarium Revisiting

Devisissy · Oct 18, 2024

That is for rimless. I do not want a plastic frame. Add another hole and the glass and it skyrockets. Waterbox is looking better each day.

ScottD · Oct 18, 2024

Devisissy said:
The pricing is NOT worth it if this 90 I own is the quality they are known for. It was a great price when I got it and that made it easy to over look the quality. Move on. It's clear they want to sell all sorts of things and not focus on aquariums.

From what I understand, they’ve always sold the other stuff too, they’re just merging it under one business and website now. I have an SCA tank and would not say your tank is the standard for their quality. I know a couple other people that have them as well and have no issues either. It was because of them I went with SCA for my tank.

I wil say it’s a little disheartening to see yours and what you’ve gone through with the back and forth with Steve on it.

Joe Glass Cages · Oct 18, 2024

Devisissy said:
Hello all.

First off @Joe Glass Cages I got a quote from you however the freight was as much as the tank. Now I know nothing about the logistics of freight when it comes to custom tanks, but I do know the logistics of fright with custom windows. Our freight is no where near even half the cost of the windows we build. We have set up partnerships with freight companies that give us a great deal. If I recall you were using fedex which I wouldn't trust with grannies toilet paper from Costco let alone a glass box. If I am ignorant of how it all works I will apologize now, but no way I am paying that much in freight. If I recall out of the 5 quotes I received you were the only one charging 80% of the price of the tank in freight. Again, I may be ignorant but industry standard, at least in glass windows, is 7-15% of the total price of the order. I am open to being educated on the matter.

When the SC tank arrived I was not home. However, my friend who was there took several photos of the box both on the truck and off. When I got home I thoroughly looked over the tank with a very bright shop LED and saw no issues at all. When my friends came over to help put the tank on the stand I still noticed nothing at all of any issue including the area in question.

This separation was not shown until a test fill. The volume of water is what showed the seam. It was not apparent until it was filled with water. I immediately emptied the tank and took photos and contacted Steve. He showed me many photos of "problem" tanks and told me to watch for these things. These "things" were bubbles in the seam and ghosting. I explained, as I have here, it's on the bottom and back of the tank. I can't watch anything. Coupled with the fact it wasn't there until a test fill scared me. Now, the tank has been in full use, gravel, rocks, water for five months before my move. This space is even larger now. And has spread. The tank shows no other issues. I can see silicone in-between the panels but the top layer has moved enough to expose that other silicone. It really just looks like, cosmetic, but has grown larger. Steve told me it was, and I quote, "fine".

I didn't think we were moving so soon so after talking to Steve and others here I decided just to go with it and hope for the best. Now that I am in a home where 90 gallons of water would do serious damage on a new build, I am more hesitant.

I've been dragging my feet filling it back up. I feel like I have really bad luck in this hobby. In everyday life I am the lucky one, I find money on the ground, win free dinners, find an awesome deal on a hard to find car part. In this hobby I get boned, a lot. And usually that is a decent Tuesday morning, but this kind of boning is expensive and annoying.

@Devisissy

The only reason I chimed in on your thread was to offer some sympathy. From one person to another. Thats all. Sorry if you took it a different way. I just don't like hearing about the pain you and others go through.

Not trying to sell anything. Not trying to compare anything. Just being empathetic to you and others.

Devisissy · Oct 18, 2024

Joe Glass Cages said:
@Devisissy

The only reason I chimed in on your thread was to offer some sympathy. From one person to another. Thats all. Sorry if you took it a different way. I just don't like hearing about the pain you and others go through.

Not trying to sell anything. Not trying to compare anything. Just being empathetic to you and others.

Oh OK. Like I said I was just curious on the freight. I have never seen anything like it. I found the email, where I said, is that a typo? I wouldn't bring it up either. I would probably just quietly add it into the pricing....LOL!

Joe Glass Cages · Oct 18, 2024

Devisissy said:
Oh OK. Like I said I was just curious on the freight. I have never seen anything like it. I found the email, where I said, is that a typo? I wouldn't bring it up either. I would probably just quietly add it into the pricing....LOL!

Thanks.

I wouldnt quietly add it to the pricing. I prefer transparency and truth. share all the details so a decision can be made accurately. Shipping is not free or cheap.

on another note, anyone can book their own shipping or even pickup at our location. We love to have visitors.

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

In my research, freight shipping for a tank from ANYWHERE I have looked starts at about $300 or $400 and goes up from there with the size and distance traveled. This even includes PetCo (their JBJ AIO's ship via freight) and my local LFS gave me the same story. Shipping anything is very expensive today. And remember, that part of that shipping cost is the "lift gate service" to get the tank down off the truck and up your driveway.

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

bigbugoutfitters said:
Yea, if the black friday sale is 50% off and they dont do it this year… ugh. Thatd be a massive bummer. For both your sake and the OP’s i hope they do the sale!

I don't believe the SC Aquariums Black Friday discount was ever 50% off, I believe it more like 15%-20%. That's all I'm expecting this year, but I'd be thrilled if they go more.

Devisissy · Oct 18, 2024

Fish Fan said:
In my research, freight shipping for a tank from ANYWHERE I have looked starts at about $300 or $400 and goes up from there with the size and distance traveled. This even includes PetCo (their JBJ AIO's ship via freight) and my local LFS gave me the same story. Shipping anything is very expensive today. And remember, that part of that shipping cost is the "lift gate service" to get the tank down off the truck and up your driveway.

Yes this would be acceptable. However that is not at all what was quoted for shipping. That freight quote was 70% of the total cost of the order. I still think it was a typo.

Devisissy · Oct 18, 2024

Joe Glass Cages said:
Thanks.

I wouldnt quietly add it to the pricing. I prefer transparency and truth. share all the details so a decision can be made accurately. Shipping is not free or cheap.

on another note, anyone can book their own shipping or even pickup at our location. We love to have visitors.

Problem is we don't ship to Tennessee. If only you were in Seattle! I would actually run freight for you! Cut you in a nice deal. My guys do an amazing job. We would be windows and aquariums! Glass R' US! Have a stupid bumper stickers on the rigs like "Stay Glassy" or "Shattered Dreams" or something stupid like that. WAIT I know "Kiss my Glass" Yeah that.

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

Devisissy said:
Yes this would be acceptable. However that is not at all what was quoted for shipping. That freight quote was 70% of the total cost of the order. I still think it was a typo.

That's really unfortunate, because I'm sure you'd be really happy with the tank that you got from Glass Cages. I'm sure it's just the mileage, Glass Cages is in Tennessee and I believe that you are in the Pacific North West?? I know from selling even little things on eBay that shipping to Oregon or Washington State is always really expensive; I'm in New York.

I was in a similar spot recently. In addition to the 150 I'm hoping for, I'd also been looking for something around like 30-40 gallons and an AIO for a frag tank to fit a specific space in our home. First of all, I almost pooped a little when I saw the price of some of these AIO's at that size. But one relatively inexpensive option was a Planet Aquariums Tideline 35 gallon AIO. I have an LFS that showed up as a local dealer, and they told me the tank would be $500, but it would be another $400 for the freight shipping. I told them there's no way I'm paying $900 for a 35 gallon tank, for $900 I could buy a Waterbox.

Same story through PetCo.com, they offer a relatively inexpensive JBJ 40 AIO, the tank is I believe $400, but the shipping started at over $300. Nope!

In the end I went with an IM Fusion 25 gallon lagoon, delivered today. Smaller than I wanted, but the lagoon style gives a lot of floor space, and this tank was I think $237 total shipped to my door. At that price, I couldn't say no. I can put the extra towards the 150 build, and if I ever do find a screaming deal on a 30-40 gallon AIO it would be a pretty easy upgrade.

@Devisissy By the way, did you try IM? If they don't have a stock tank for you, they also do custom builds, which are 50% off right now. And they are located in California, so the shipping to your area may be a lot more reasonable.

And last for now, I do think it's worth you contacting SC Aquariums once more. The seam appears to have gotten worse, and I believe you ordered the tank less than one year ago. I don't know what their warranty is, but I have to think it's at least a year.

Devisissy · Oct 18, 2024

Fish Fan said:
That's really unfortunate, because I'm sure you'd be really happy with the tank that you got from Glass Cages. I'm sure it's just the mileage, Glass Cages is in Tennessee and I believe that you are in the Pacific North West?? I know from selling even little things on eBay that shipping to Oregon or Washington State is always really expensive; I'm in New York.

I was in a similar spot recently. In addition to the 150 I'm hoping for, I'd also been looking for something around like 30-40 gallons and an AIO for a frag tank to fit a specific space in our home. First of all, I almost pooped a little when I saw the price of some of these AIO's at that size. But one relatively inexpensive option was a Planet Aquariums Tideline 35 gallon AIO. I have an LFS that showed up as a local dealer, and they told me the tank would be $500, but it would be another $400 for the freight shipping. I told them there's no way I'm paying $900 for a 35 gallon tank, for $900 I could buy a Waterbox.

Same story through PetCo.com, they offer a relatively inexpensive JBJ 40 AIO, the tank is I believe $400, but the shipping started at over $300. Nope!

In the end I went with an IM Fusion 25 gallon lagoon, delivered today. Smaller than I wanted, but the lagoon style gives a lot of floor space, and this tank was I think $237 total shipped to my door. At that price, I couldn't say no. I can put the extra towards the 150 build, and if I ever do find a screaming deal on a 30-40 gallon AIO it would be a pretty easy upgrade.

@Devisissy By the way, did you try IM? If they don't have a stock tank for you, they also do custom builds, which are 50% off right now. And they are located in California, so the shipping to your area may be a lot more reasonable.

And last for now, I do think it's worth you contacting SC Aquariums once more. The seam appears to have gotten worse, and I believe you ordered the tank less than one year ago. I don't know what their warranty is, but I have to think it's at least a year.

I wrote SCA, but I won't hear back from him. If I do then I will be surprised.

jmcdona6 · Oct 18, 2024

Crazy how much their prices have gone up. When I bought my SCA 150 in 2020 it was $999 delivered. That same tank is now $1,750...75% price increase.

Not sure the math works out anymore. You can buy the Waterbox equivalent for $4,199. But that comes with a stand which to buy or make something that looks furniture quality you are looking at $500-$1000+ separately. It also comes with a decent glass sump...probably another $500+. Comes with all the plumbing you need (SCA only comes with a few pieces and generally sucks)...comes with an ATO container also. I mean by time you set them apples to apples you are probably talking $3,500 to get back to what Waterbox delivers you. Plus they have decent customer service, support, etc. That isn't enough discount to warrant the hassle. Only makes sense if you really want to build a custom stand, sump, etc. and don't want to pay a premium for glass cages or something similar.

Also not sure how much burying their tanks under a bunch of billiard advertisements will benefit them. How many people want to buy a large expensive tank from someone who does it as a side hustle to their billiard business? Bad marketing. You can manage them together behind the scenes but they deserve their own websites.

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

jmcdona6 said:
Crazy how much their prices have gone up. When I bought my SCA 150 in 2020 it was $999 delivered. That same tank is now $1,750...75% price increase.

Not sure the math works out anymore. You can buy the Waterbox equivalent for $4,199. But that comes with a stand which to buy or make something that looks furniture quality you are looking at $500-$1000 separately. It also comes with a decent glass sump...probably another $500+. Comes with all the plumbing you need (SCA only comes with a few pieces and generally sucks)...comes with an ATO container also. I mean by time you set them apples to apples you are probably talking $3,000-3,500 to get back to what Waterbox delivers you. Plus they have decent customer service, support, etc. That isn't enough discount to warrant the hassle.

Also not sure how much burying their tanks under a bunch of billiard advertisements will benefit them. How many people want to buy a large expensive tank from someone who does it as a side hustle to their billiard business? Bad marketing. You can manage them together behind the scenes but they deserve their own websites.

I agree that their new website with the pool tables is a terrible look, but they've always sold both pool tables and aquariums, so I don't think of the tanks as their "side hustle"

I also agree that the cost of tanks is out of control these days, I don't care who says what. But the SC Aquariums 150 that I want is $1500, not $1750, so *only* a 50% increase. But keep in mind that we are talking about 4 years later during a time of horrible inflation and rising costs for everyone and everything, including, presumably, for SC Aquariums too.

Additionally, while I know I'm probably in the minority here, I absolutely do not want a stand and it's a big pet-peeve of mine that some manufactures (I'm looking at you, IM!) don't have an option to buy only the tank. I am something of a woodworker, and I want a specific, custom install. I do not want a traditional stand. And same with sumps, I have more sumps than I know what to do with, I sold one tonight, and I'm looking to sell more

I wrote to Steve from SCA this afternoon asking if the 150 I want is still available. No reply yet, which is reasonable, but typically he responds right away.

And I like Waterbox tanks, but I think they are spendy. If I was going to go premium, I think it would be Glass Cages for me.

I have pretty much all the major gear I need, I just need the tank lol!

fishface NJ · Oct 18, 2024

@Fish Fan what about Planet Aquarium's Mega Matrix line?

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

fishface NJ said:
@Fish Fan what about Planet Aquarium's Mega Matrix line?

I'm not familiar with that line of their tanks. I am in love with the dimensions of the SCA 150 peninsula 60"x24"x24". I'll take a look a the Planet tanks though.

Thanks for the suggestion!

jmcdona6 · Oct 18, 2024

Fish Fan said:
I agree that their new website with the pool tables is a terrible look, but they've always sold both pool tables and aquariums, so I don't think of the tanks as their "side hustle"

I also agree that the cost of tanks is out of control these days, I don't care who says what. But the SC Aquariums 150 that I want is $1500, not $1750, so *only* a 50% increase. But keep in mind that we are talking about 4 years later during a time of horrible inflation and rising costs for everyone and everything, including, presumably, for SC Aquariums too.

Additionally, while I know I'm probably in the minority here, I absolutely do not want a stand and it's a big pet-peeve of mine that some manufactures (I'm looking at you, IM!) don't have an option to buy only the tank. I am something of a woodworker, and I want a specific, custom install. I do not want a traditional stand. And same with sumps, I have more sumps than I know what to do with, I sold one tonight, and I'm looking to sell more

I wrote to Steve from SCA this afternoon asking if the 150 I want is still available. No reply yet, which is reasonable, but typically he responds right away.

And I like Waterbox tanks, but I think they are spendy. If I was going to go premium, I think it would be Glass Cages for me.

I have pretty much all the major gear I need, I just need the tank lol!

The whole hobby has gone spendy/luxury pricing. Certainly agree that SCA was, and I guess still is, a great option for those that really just do not want a stand with their tank.

I disagree with Waterbox being spendy in comparison though. I recently bought a tank and seriously considered going back to SCA. Even preferred it. But believe it or not my cost list for SCA + DIY Stand Materials+ Trigger Sump + Plumbing (surprisingly expensive...) was only $200 less than the Waterbox I was considering ($3,650 vs $3,599). With their new pricing it would have been $50 more! I think people often underestimate the cost of the piecemeal DIY option. I certainly did in 2020 when I put my SCA setup together.

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

fishface NJ said:
@Fish Fan what about Planet Aquarium's Mega Matrix line?

I just priced one out in the same basic dimensions as the SCA 150, and it was $2232 plus boxing a freight charges. And, this was a rimmed tank with standard glass.

I think the SCA's are the budget option for sure, I just hope they still have the tank I want available.

fishface NJ · Oct 18, 2024

The Waterbox has an internal overflow box. I prefer external bean animal overflows

Fish Fan · Oct 18, 2024

jmcdona6 said:
The whole hobby has gone spendy/luxury pricing. Certainly agree that SCA was, and I guess still is, a great option for those that really just do not want a stand with their tank.

I disagree with Waterbox being spendy in comparison though. I recently bought a tank and seriously considered going back to SCA. Even preferred it. But believe it or not my cost list for SCA + DIY Stand Materials+ Trigger Sump + Plumbing (surprisingly expensive...) was only $200 less than the Waterbox I was considering ($3,650 vs $3,599). With their new pricing it would have been $50 more! I think people often underestimate the cost of the piecemeal DIY option. I certainly did in 2020 when I put my SCA setup together.

OK, but my point is that I'm a wood worker, and I want to build my own stand. And I already have sumps and other gear, so I don't want any of that, I just want the tank. I think that every tank builder should offer the tank alone, and then the packages if you want them.